Since the dawn of time, people have been captivated by water lilies due to its enchanting beauty. The flower has been gorgeously immortalized in art and religion. Majestic palaces and gardens were once its home, but today it has found its way into peoples’ humble backyard gardens. Perhaps a little story on the symbolism behind this captivating, time-less beauty.
Use in Buddhist and Hindu Symbolism
The water lily is an important symbol in numerous religions, notably Buddhism and Hinduism. The plant is closely tied to the symbols of resurrection in both spiritual arenas because many species of water lilies close their flower buds during the night and flower again in the morning at first light.
Buddhists see this as a symbol of enlightenment. The blossoming of the lily flower during the day when there is light parallels with the idea of nirvana. They are also considered to be a symbol of spontaneous generation, divine birth and purity.
Egyption Symbolism
The water lily symbolized Upper Egypt and was used together with the papyrus flower – the symbol of Lower Egypt to depict a united country. Perhaps the most important would be the blue water lily, which was seen to be sacred to the Egyptians as it represented the sun and rebirth.